Reid, 6ft 4in, appeared at the hearing in handcuffs. He wore a bright orange prison jump suit and light slippers. He sat next to Tamar Birckhead, his lawyer, throughout the 90-minute proceedings, saying nothing and appearing composed.

The device was enough to blow a hole in the fuselage of Flight 63, she said. His attempt to detonate the device was foiled by the alertness of an air hostess and the prompt action of several passengers.

Reid, who converted to Islam while in prison in London, was remanded in custody on charges of intimidation or assault of a flight crew member. Conviction carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. More serious charges are likely to follow.

Colin Owyang, the prosecutor, said there was "no credible evidence" that he had an accomplice.